There are a bunch of products the Koreans swear by. Some work and others are just considered fads. But sleep masks have stuck around long enough to make me wonder – do these glass bottles actually contain that miraculous product that transforms the skin overnight as you sleep?
To make it clear, nothing can replace a good night’s rest. And while it is a beauty crime (or so I’m told) to head to bed before slathering on a layer of moisturiser sleep masks work differently. It’s important to note that they’re nothing like the regular masks that we apply during the day – those that need to be washed off in 20 minutes.
But How Are Night Masks Different From Night Creams?
So here’s where the real dilemma is – there are night creams and overnight masks. And they’re both very very different from each other. To understand the difference between the two, I consulted Dr Manisha P Kothari, co-founder of Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Body Clinic. “Sleep masks and night creams serve similar functions but differ in their formulation and application. Night creams are created for daily use and often focus on long-term benefits like anti-ageing or enhancing skin texture. Sleep masks, on the other hand, are usually more intensive treatments meant to deliver a concentrated dose of hydration and active ingredients. They are typically used less frequently and left on overnight for maximum effect,” she explains.
Essentially, night creams are moisturisers meant to be used at night. But they differ from regular day creams in the means of consistency, formulation, and ingredients. They’re typically more hydrating, and thicker and contain ingredients such as retinol, skincare acids, and peptides, that work to repair your skin while you’re asleep. They’re also very easily absorbed by the skin, like most moisturisers.
Sooo… Do Sleep Masks Really Work?
“Yes, sleep masks can be effective for skin changeover. They work by creating a barrier that locks in moisture and active ingredients, providing intense hydration and support while you sleep. The extended contact time permits ingredients to penetrate deeper and work more efficiently compared to products that are washed off,” Dr Kothari adds.
Think of sleep masks as occlusives – like Vaseline. They’re typically the last step in your night routine after your moisturiser and eye creams. These masks are meant to form a protective barrier of sorts on your skin, so there is no moisture loss. Since they’re so thick, they also take a while to get fully absorbed into the skin. Furthermore, they act as actual skin treatments because of their higher concentration of ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid.
In The Age Of Skin Minimalism Do Sleep Masks Even Make Sense?
The world is collectively moving away from 10-step routines. Call it what you want – the less is more formula, skin minimalism, or skin detox, the lesser number of products on your skin, the better. So does it make sense to add another product to the list when I’m already trying to reduce what’s being applied to my skin? “The choice to use a sleep mask depends on your skin’s needs and the efficacy of your existing regimen. If your current routine is addressing your skin concerns effectively and you are seeing results, adding a sleep mask might be unnecessary. However, for those seeking an extra boost of hydration or targeted treatment, a sleep mask can be a valuable addition, as long as it complements rather than complicates the existing routine,” Dr Kothari tells me.
So while practically nothing can transform your skin overnight, sleep masks certainly do what they promise. All you need to do is apply them to your skin as a final step, thrice a week. And a little goes a long way with these products.
If you’re looking for masks that actually work, here are some I’ve tried and tested as your guinea pig, and have absolutely loved.
Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask is one of the best in the business. It provides intense hydration so your skin is revitalised overnight. And I personally love that it’s non-sticky despite having a thick consistency.
The Body Shop has been around for as long as I can remember and the Edelweiss Bouncy Sleeping Mask is like magic in a bottle. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, bouncy, and like I’ve got a good 8 hours of sleep (when I’ve got only 4).
If you’re someone who spends her day travelling to and from work, L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Overnight Blue Light Mask is a saving grace. Overnight, this mask helps fight against the damage caused by blue light to bring your skin back to life. Bonus points because it’s non-comedogenic!
And if you’re a budget girlie, don’t worry I gotchu covered, boo! The Quench Avocado Skin Repairing Sleeping Mask With Vitamin B5 is one of my go-to’s when my skin needs some extra TLC. It not only exfoliates the skin but also works to restore the skin barrier. It’s also sooo lightweight and feels like nothing on the skin.
Dot & Key’s Overnight Glow C Sleep Mask Vitamin C Overnight Radiance Recovery is yet another multi-functional product that hydrates, brightens, calms and restores the skin barrier all while you’re catching some zzz’s. It’s affordable, travel-friendly and so cute!
Featured Images: Instagram